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The district, which includes a stretch of Western Michigan ranging from the Grand Rapids area down to Battle Creek, has traditionally leaned Republican, but will be more competitive this year.

RepublicanPeter Meijerand DemocratHillary Scholtenare facing off in November in Michigan's third congressional district, which is currently held by retiringRep. Justin Amash.

Amash was first elected as a libertarian-style Republican in 2011, but became disillusioned with the GOP under President Donald Trump and left the party to become an independent in July 2019 and then affiliated himself with the Libertarian Party in 2020. Amash briefly flirted with running for president

Meijer, whose family owns the Meijer supermarket chain, is a US Army veteran, worked overseas at non-governmental, and now an urban developer. He defeated State Rep. Lynn Afendoulisfor the GOP nomination on August 4.

Scholten is an immigration attorney and advocate who formerly worked in the Department of Justice under the Obama administration. Both nominees are first-time candidates.

The district, which includes a stretch of Western Michigan ranging from the Grand Rapids area down to Battle Creek, has traditionally leaned Republican.

Trump carried the seat by 10 points in the 2016 election, and 2018 Republican Senate candidate John James carried it by four points in 2018.

The seat now being open without an incumbent presents a new opportunity for Democrats, particularly if Biden carries the state by large margins and is able to lift up down-ballot candidates on his coattails.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Scholten has raised $1 million, about a third less than her opponent, Meijer, who has raised $1.5 million. Meijer, however, has spent $1.1 million so far on his campaign, leaving him with $406,000 on hand $165,000 less than Scholten who has $572,000 to spend.

In the general election, The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politicsrate this race as "leans Republican."

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Everything you need to know about Michigan's 3rd Congressional District Race - Business Insider - Business Insider